“Services for Those Who Have Served"
Veterans Event August 15th at Kingsport Higher Education Center

Congressman Roe to Host

Kingsport, Tenn.– If you are a veteran in Northeast Tennessee, you will want to mark August 15 on your calendar and join Congressman Phil Roe at the Kingsport Higher Education Center to learn about support services for veterans along with information on housing opportunities, starting a small business and open job opportunities for veterans.

The event, “Services for Those Who Have Served,” is hosted by Congressman Roe and will include representatives of federal agencies and service providers on site. The program is presented by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), Tennessee Small Business Development Center at East Tennessee State University, Kingsport Chamber of Commerce, and the Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs. All will discuss special programs specifically focused on those who have served in our nation’s armed forces at information sessions held from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

“Ensuring our service members have a better quality of life for the sacrifices they made is always at the forefront of my mind. That is why I am pleased to host such an important event that will create new opportunities for our veterans. As a veteran, I support action to better the health and well-being of our service members and their families through my work in Congress, and as a member of the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs,” said Congressman Roe.

With a wealth of services available to veterans from federal and state agencies, a highlight of the event will be a panel to inform what services are offered and by whom. Tennessee Commissioner of Veterans Affairs, Colonel Many Bears Grinder, will lead this important session highlighting how veterans can immediately access benefits that are available to those who have served in our nation’s armed forces.

With skills learned in military service, returning soldiers may have an interest in starting a small business. The Tennessee Small Business Development Center and the U.S. Small Business Administration will discuss what it takes to start a small business and loans available specifically to veterans. “Veterans are eligible for SBA’s Patriot Express loan through local banks of up to $500,000,” said Walter Perry, District Director for SBA, “so working capital is available for both veterans and their spouses to start a small business.”

Housing options is another part of the program as there are home loan and rental assistance programs available to veterans. “With today’s low home mortgage rates, veterans may purchase a home through a FHA loan,” said Ed Ellis, Knoxville Field Office Manager for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. “We encourage veterans to attend the event to learn more about the housing and job opportunities,” he added.

Employment opportunities for veterans in Northeast Tennessee will be presented as representatives of staffing firms, along with the region’s largest employer, Eastman Chemical, will be on-hand to discuss current and upcoming job openings. Participants will be able to determine how their military skills directly link to job openings in the Northeast Tennessee region.

The entire program is a free event open to the public and will begin at 8:00 a.m. at the Kingsport Higher Education Center, 300 W. Market Street, Kingsport. To preregister and ensure your place at this special event, go to www.tsbdc.org or call the ETSU Small Business Development Center at 423-392-8811.

The cooperative agreement between KOSBE and East Tennessee State University is partially funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SBA’s funding is not an endorsement of any products, opinions or services. SBA funded programs are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Additional funding is provided by the Tennessee Board of Regents and the state of Tennessee.

Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact Dana Glenn, 400 Clinchfield Street, Suite 100, Kingsport, TN 37660, 423.392.8811.

For more information about the Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) at ETSU Kingsport Affiliate Office and your Kingsport Office of Small Business Development & Entrepreneurship (KOSBE), visit tsbdc.org and kosbe.org or call (423) 392.8825. We’re social too; follow us on Facebook, Kosbe – The Small Business Connection and Twitter, @KOSBEConnection.